How to Enhance Mobility in Aging Adults

By Stacy Lee, 9:00 am on July 10, 2017

Seniors often experience challenges with mobility that threaten their independence. However, there are many things that can be done to prevent common causes of limited mobility. Family caregivers can include the following strategies in their loved one’s caregiving plan to promote mobility.

Practice Injury Prevention

One of the most common causes of limited mobility in seniors is an injury that never fully recovers. Falling and breaking a hip can land a senior in a wheelchair. Make sure your loved one has a safe floor plan in the home, and talk to him or her about things to avoid that cause falls, such as climbing on a shaky chair.

If your aging loved one needs help safely completing activities of daily living, a professional caregiver can help. Many older adults are choosing to age in place, and some need a helping hand to continue living at home safely and comfortably. Luckily, there is professional in-home care Burlington seniors can trust and rely on.

Seek Early Treatment for New Health Conditions

Many of the health conditions that affect mobility have treatments available. Arrange for your loved one to see a physician right away if he or she complains of painful joints or exhibits tremors. If medication is prescribed, help your loved one remember to take it according to the recommended schedule.

Make Daily Exercise a Priority

Joint and muscle movement is important for maintaining mobility, and seniors sometimes need encouragement to exercise regularly. Have a caregiver provide your loved one with enjoyable opportunities for exercise such as going for a walk in the park or singing songs while doing morning stretches. Seniors and their caregivers can also work with doctors to develop a safe exercise routine.

Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Burlington, VT, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Home Care Assistance. Using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity.

Maintain Independence with Mobility Aids

As a senior’s mobility changes, it is important to find ways to keep him or her moving. There are many mobility devices available that can help seniors walk, such as walkers and canes. Having this support helps seniors overcome the fear of falling.

Plan Outings for Accessibility

Getting seniors out of the house also promotes mobility. Caregivers should make sure any new place is accessible for seniors who need accommodations such as a bench to take a break or a ramp instead of large steps. Many public venues such as community parks, zoos, and museums offer these kinds of accommodations.

Encourage Regular Movement

Moving throughout the day can keep joints flexible and muscles strong. Make sure your loved one’s daily routine allows him or her to do as much as he or she can independently. From getting up to roaming around in the backyard, these little movements help seniors strive toward maintaining their mobility.

Life can be more comfortable for an aging adult when not hindered by mobility challenges. If your senior loved one requires assistance around the house, consider hiring a live-in caregiver. Living with a serious health condition can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Burlington seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more. If your loved one needs high-quality in-home care, call Home Care Assistance at (802) 231-0415 today.